Hi there, first post here so if I mess something please tell and be patient, I'll try to improve.

now, I think that there are some really nice side stories around, try Heroes, by No One and New Pegas, by Calbeck. They are both on the side story post on EqD and you can find them also on FimFic and on Ponychan.

A lot of bronies i talked with told me that Gardener, by Vanner, is a good story too, but it's still on my to-read list, so I can't guarantee.